Safer Internet Day 2026: Supporting Online Safety in Primary Schools

Safer Internet Day 2026 is an opportunity for UK primary schools to pause, reflect, and have age-appropriate conversations about online safety in a rapidly changing digital world.

Children are growing up surrounded by smart technology, from classroom tools and games to search engines and AI tools, and the internet is a part of everyday learning and play. Safer Internet Day helps schools raise awareness and support pupils to make safe online choices.

Online safety in the primary years

For primary pupils, online safety education works best when it is simple, consistent, and practical.

Young people need to understand:

• How to stay safe online

• How to treat others kindly in online spaces

• When to ask for help

These messages form the foundation of digital citizenship and e-safety. They apply whether children are using websites, watching videos on online platforms, playing games, or exploring new technologies such as artificial intelligence.

What is the theme for Safer Internet Day 2026?

The official theme for Safer Internet 2026 is Smart tech, safe choices – Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI. With many technologies now integrating AI, young people are already interacting with it, often without realising it.

Including AI in Safer Internet Day teaching resources is a great way for schools to get on the front foot with engaging activities and conversation starters to:

• Encourage critical thinking about information credibility

• Introduce or reinforce personal data awareness,

• Discuss new AI-related risks in an age-appropriate and learning based way

• Support responsible online behaviour, while keeping the focus on fun

Where AI fits into Safer Internet Day

For primary schools, the focus should be on educating pupils about responsible use of AI using simple, real-life situations they already understand, such as search results, homework help, or voice assistants, rather than technical details or real-world risk.

Age-appropriate guidance includes teaching children and young people that:

• AI is a tool, not a person

• Generative AI does not always get things right

• Personal information should never be shared,

• AI should support learning, not replace it.

By keeping things simple for students in this age group, educators can help children explore new technology safely without creating fear or confusion.

Introducing these ideas early supports the development of digital literacy and helps children understand real online risks in a calm, balanced way. Over time, this builds the foundations for responsible digital citizenship as students grow and their use of technology expands.

Teaching resources that support discussion on Safer Internet Day

Safer Internet Day resources are most effective when they encourage conversation rather than fear.

Discussion starters, short activities, and simple classroom guidance help teachers educate pupils without overwhelming them. These resources also support parents by reinforcing consistent messages at home.

What Free Safer Internet Day resources are available for primary schools?

A wide range of free, high-quality resources are available to support Safer Internet Day activities in UK schools. Here are our top selections:

• The UK Safer Internet Centre, which provides tailored resource packs for ages 3–7 and 7–11, including lesson plans and assembly guides

• Barefoot Computing, offering curriculum-linked online safety live lessons designed for primary pupils

• Twinkl, in partnership with Childnet and the UK Safer Internet Centre, is offering free classroom resources for Safer Internet Day

• Natterhub, an award-winning online safety education platform offering free, age-appropriate materials for primary schools

A simple Safer Internet Day resource for primary schools

To support Safer Internet Day 2026, Fastvue has created a free, one-page factsheet with top tips for primary students, designed to help primary educators teach online safety and safe and responsible use of AI.

The resource helps:

• Educate pupils about online safety

• Reinforce kindness and respectful behaviour

• Introduce responsible use of AI tools

• Remind children when and how to seek support

It is suitable for classroom use, school newsletters, or sharing with parents as part of Safer Internet Day activities.

Creating a safer digital world for children with Fastvue

Student online safety is a shared responsibility. Schools, teachers, parents, and technology providers all play a role in helping children navigate the internet safely.

Safer Internet Day is not about restricting access or creating fear. It is about building awareness, supporting learning, and helping children feel confident asking for help when something does not feel right.

By focusing on age-appropriate education and responsible use, primary schools can help create a safer and better internet for children and young people.